Driving Responsibly

Driving Responsibly

Maia Jansson November 21, 2020

Drivers education plays one of the most crucial roles in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. It is here where new drivers cultivate understanding in driving laws in the country and specific state. Drivers education instructors have an important job of ensuring that every student is learning and paying attention to the importance of what is being taught. These courses also give students a sense of the responsibility that comes with driving. Though, driving definitely gives teenagers a sense of freedom and exhilaration, it is crucial to lay foundational knowledge of safe driving into their heads before they begin on the roads.

Retaining and applying all knowledge from Drivers Education to everyday life is one key element of reducing the number of driving-related deaths. In addition, ensuring that people are following traffic laws through cameras and constant monitoring of heavy traffic areas will help prevent dangerous driving. Ensuring that all people who have driven dangerously or have patterns of irresponsible driving are punished to a proper extent is another preventative measure and can set the tone for all drivers.

Smaller and more individualized approaches can also combat deaths resulting from driving. In order to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, one must always be alert on the road. For instance, being aware of your surroundings and anticipating dangerous situations is important in order to understand how to act accordingly. Keeping distractions such as loud noises, music, pets, and people away from the wheel is also important. Reading one’s own emotions and physical cues can also help. Driving while feeling distressed, fatigued, or hungry is a recipe for disaster. Understanding that it is okay to hold off from driving until one feels fully capable both physically and emotionally is mature and safe. Keeping these small things in mind whilst following driving laws will make for safer drivers and less collisions.

My family experienced a collision a few years ago. We were driving down a main road and had the right of way when a driver suddenly pulled out at a stop sign and hit us. Thankfully, no one was injured, though it was terrifying. This occurred several months before I attended drivers education classes, and I think it forced me to pay extra close attention during class. As a driver, when I come to a stop sign, I always make sure to stop and look both ways multiple times for extra measure. When it comes to stop signs on busier roads, I always try to pull out slowly and ensure that there are absolutely no cars coming; I would much rather wait those few extra seconds than risk death or injury.

As a driver, I have been tailgated before. I remember taking driving lessons with AAA and feeling terrified on the main roads when cars would follow too closely behind. There are times when it still happens and I generally either pull over or continue going at the normal speed depending on what type of road I am driving on. I always make it a point to drive at a safe and comfortable distance away from the drivers in front of me.

There are many steps I can take to practice becoming a safer driver as well as encouraging others to drive safely. First, I can continue to practice the concept of paying attention and staying alert as I drive. Maintaining eye contact with the road, constantly checking my surroundings, and keeping my phone off are ways I prevent distractions. These methods as well as ensuring I am always driving at appropriate speed are other ways I practice safe driving. When riding with other people, I ensure to be respectful and helpful to the driver. For instance if they allow me to play music I make sure to ask whether or not the songs I pick are distracting them and keep them at an appropriate volume as I personally do not like listening to loud music as I drive. Completing these steps will set an example for younger drivers, thus making the road safe for everyone.